This website uses cookies to allow us to see how the site is used. The cookies cannot identify you.
If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with this.Click Here if you want to use the site without cookies else click OK.

Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline

Phenazepam

If you don't find what you're looking for you can always ring the DAN 24/7 helpline on 0808 808 2234 and talk confidentially to an advisor.

What does Phenazepam look like?

Mainly in Tablet form but may also be found as a powder, or as a fluid in dropper bottles.

Phenazepam

Scientific Names

7-Bromo-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,3-dihydro-2H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-one.

Generic Name

Benzodiazepine / Minor tranquiliser.

Effects Of Phenazepam

Desired Effects:

Relaxation, relief of tension and anxiety.

Side-Effects:

Drowsiness, light-headedness, loss of coordination, confusion & forgetfulness, hiccups. Reports suggest Phenazepam is approximately five times stronger than Valium (another well known benzodiazepine).

Risks

Short-term:

Overdose - there is the potential for users to re-dose before the onset of the effects of the original dose, as effects do not reach their peak until 2 to 3 hours after an oral dose has been taken, this significantly increases the risk of overdose. This risk further increases if combined with other drugs and / or Alcohol. Accidents are a risk whilst under the influence. May be mis-sold or mistaken for other Benzodiazepines such as Valium so users will be unaware of the stronger effects and associated risks.

Reducing Harm

How does Phenazepam work?

Powerful central nervous system Depressant, Sedative and anticonvulsant. Reports suggest Phenazepam is approximately five times stronger than Valium (another well known benzodiazepine).

Legal status of Phenazepam

Phenazepam is a Class C drug under The Misuse of Drugs Act, 1971; possession can mean up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine. Supplying someone else, even your friends, can mean 14 years in jail and/or an unlimited fine.

How Is Phenazepam Taken?

Orally.

Paraphernalia

None.

Medical uses of Phenazepam

Phenazepam is used in Russia for the treatment of neurological disorders such as epilsepsy, AlcoholWithdrawal symptoms and Insomnia. It can be used as a pre-medication before surgery as a Sedative, it reduces anxiety to induce sleep and is a muscle relaxant. It is not used medically in the UK.

Where does it come from?

Imported; sold on the internet.

Helping services

Most areas of the UK have 'street agencies' or projects (sometimes called community drug services or community drug teams) which offer a range of services including information and advice, counselling, needle exchanges and sometimes support groups and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. Some agencies offer specialist counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies and prescribing of anti-depressants, and also possible referral to residential rehabilitation. Some services have extended working hours and may offer weekend support. GPs and possibly the local hospital A&E department can make referrals to specialist drug services as well as general medical services, information and advice often in partnership with a drug agency or Drug Dependency Unit.

Parents & other relatives

Drug agencies also provide lots of advice and support to parents of people using these drugs. Many street agencies can provide relative support groups or counselling for family members, partners etc.